The Eye

Giannoulias is considered the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination, a status boosted by his boosted his cash. In a written statement, he emphasized that his third-quarter total does not include any contributions from corporate political action committees or federal lobbyists.

"Lobbyists and special interests in Washington have blocked change for too long," Giannoulias said. "Mark Kirk has taken their money and voted their way and the people of Illinois deserve better."

Kirk announced Monday that he raised $1.6 million in the third quarter, and he will show $2.3 million in cash on hand at the end of September, aided by a reported $500,000 fundraising event with Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz..

Giannoulias has several Democratic opponents, at least one of whom has already donated significant personal funds to his campaign in preparation for the February primary. Former Chicago Inspector General David Hoffman said he will report raising about $905,000 for his campaign so far, of which $500,000 is from his own wallet.

Former Chicago Urban League President Cheryle Robinson Jackson, a Democrat who entered the race last month, has not released her quarterly fundraising totals. She has been endorsed by EMILY's List, which is expected to provide her with a significant fundraising boost.

Appointed Sen. Roland W. Burris isn't running in 2010 to keep the seat.

CQ Politics presently rates the Illinois Senate race as Tossup.

To see how the 2010 Senate races are shaping up, check out the CQ Politics' election map.